How to Make an Amusement Park Model Project

By Steven White ; Updated April 12, 2017

Models are a great hands-on project to get kids incorporating principles of geometry, architecture and physics. Depending on the age and level of advancement of the kids, the model can include roller coasters, magnetic bumper cars and even lights. The most important thing for this model project is allowing plenty of preparation time for proper plan drafting.

Plot out the exact measurements and aspect ratios of the park on a piece of graph paper, taking into account a specific scaling model for the rides, attractions and landscape. Use a pencil during early sketching in case you need to erase. If you need some attraction ideas, see the resource section of this article.

Obtain a plywood board in the size you desire your final park to be.

Measure the distance between ratio points on your graph paper and create a to-scale grid on the plywood with your pencil.

Set up your attractions. For instance, you could build a roller coaster using wood dowels with a track made out of tin foil. For larger building style attractions, such as a viking ship, mold it out of modeling foam and leave it to dry overnight. Build bases for the legs of the rides out of the modeling foam and glue the foam to the board.

Add to-scale benches and trees to the park and draw out any trails and walkways based on your graph paper model.

Paint the rides and board with a paint brush and poster paint.

Things Needed

Graph paper

Pencil

Plywood board

Tape measure

Wooden dowels

Tin foil

Modeling foam

Glue

Doll benches and trees

Paint brush

Poster paint

Resources

About the Author

Steven White is a privately contracted software engineer and efficiency analyst. He has more than five years of experience providing technical support for AT&T broadband customers. Along with his technology background, White enjoys carpentry and plumbing.